Rotherham Harp CSC
Founded in 1985 in the old St Bede’s Catholic Club by immigrants from Glasgow and first-generation Irish in Masbourgh. Founding members were Pat Gaughan, Tommy Gaughan RIP, Mick Duggan, John Connelly RIP, Hughie Deehan RIP, Martin McNamee, and Sean McNamee.
The original name of the club was Rotherham Emerald CSC, and they travelled by minibus on regular occasions. In those days, tickets were easily available through the CSA, and the trip was straight up and back to late-night sessions in the club.
When the Catholic Club closed, they ran out of Millmoor Pub, where they were made welcome by Kevin Hayes, the landlord, who became an honorary member of the club. They eventually found a home in the New Inn, where Paul, the landlord there also made them welcome, and where the boss is now Maddie, who looks after them, and Celtic games get priority over any other game that’s on!
In the mid-80s, the only other CSC in the area was South Yorkshire CSC, (which later became Sheffield Shamrock CSC,) which was based in the Sheffield Irish Centre. Being so close to each other, they were all friends, but as the numbers dwindled in Sheffield, their members would go to Rotherham to watch games together.
Jim Mitchell and Noel Owens suggested making the Rotherham club the main CSC in South Yorkshire. At a meeting, they decided on a new name and came up with Scott Brown Rotherham, CSC. They contacted Scott for his permission, and he was delighted to do so.
Their committee is Jim Mitchell, Noel Owens, and Pete Wainwright. They get a lot of visitors to the club on matchday from fans working away from home in Sheffield and Rotherham. They have a close friendship with the local GAA team.
They travel to every home game, but these days, it tends to be three or four cars. This often involves an overnight stay in Glasgow. They are very active when it comes to charity, including food banks. Jim Mitchell raised money for ‘Buy a Kid a Jacket,’ where they donate coats to underprivileged kids. They also raise funds for local families who are struggling a bit.
They are now known as Rotherham Harp CSC.
An extract from Football Without Fans – The History of Celtic Supporters Clubs by David McIntyre ( Celtic Bars). Football Without Fans – The History of Celtic Supporters Clubs is out now and available in print and kindle versions HERE.
More from Football Without Fans this week on The Celtic Star, the Celtic supporters website. Will it be your CSC that’s featured?
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